Turmeric: Preparation, Dosing and Timing in TCM

There is a gap between knowing that Turmeric helps and knowing what to do with the dried root that arrives in the post. This page closes it, with the forms TCM actually uses.

The classic preparation

3 to 10 grams in decoction, or the powder in golden milk, curries and rice dishes.

Combining herbs is normal practice, not a novelty. A pairing that works well here is black pepper, piperine multiplies curcumin absorption many times over.

Timing and rhythm

Warm in nature, so the usual rhythm is short daily courses with breaks. Warm preparations land better in the morning; cooling ones can go later in the day.

What to buy

Buy from a source with turnover. Herbs fade with light, air and time, and a pharmacy that sells a lot of Turmeric will have the freshest stock. Smell matters: the aroma should be clean and distinct, not dusty.

Consistency beats dose. A modest amount taken regularly usually does more than a heroic amount taken twice.